Plate with Collapsible Inserts

ABSTRACT

A multipurpose plate that has a support surface with at least one aperture with at least one keyway. The multipurpose plate has at least one collapsible container with at least one keyway insert that is removably inserted through the at least one keyway.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/195,959, filed Mar. 4, 2014, which claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/775,935, filed Mar. 11, 2013, now expired, both of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference for all intended purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to plates and, in particular, to plates that are multi-functional.

BACKGROUND

The food activity industry has expanded through neighborhood cookouts, camping, sporting events and festivals. However, the plates that are used during these events provide inadequate support for the food and/or cannot be reused.

Accordingly, it can be seen that needs exist for a better way for eating food in an active setting. It is to the provision of solutions to these and other problems that the present invention is primarily directed.

SUMMARY

Generally described, the present invention relates to a plate with expandable cups removably secured thereto. The cups can be expanded to receive liquid food and/or removable to function on their own or use as a drinking cup. The cups can be collapsed to support solid food.

In a first example embodiment, the invention relates to a multipurpose plate that has a support surface with at least one aperture including at least one keyway. The multipurpose plate also includes at least one collapsible container with at least one keyway insert that is removably inserted through the at least one keyway.

In a second example embodiment, the invention relates to a multipurpose plate with a support surface that includes at least one aperture with at least two inwardly extending shelves. The multipurpose plate also includes at least one collapsible container that has at least one insert that is removably inserted between the at least two inwardly extending shelves.

In a third example embodiment, the invention relates to a method for removably securing at least one container to a plate. The method includes removably inserting the at least one container through at least one aperture in the plate and engaging the at least one container with at least two shelves that extend inwardly within the at least one aperture.

The specific techniques and structures employed to improve over the drawbacks of the prior devices and accomplish the advantages described herein will become apparent from the following detailed description of example embodiments and the appended drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a plate with collapsible inserts according to a first example embodiment of the present invention, shown with the inserts in an expanded position.

FIG. 2 is an underneath perspective view of the plate with collapsible inserts shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the plate with collapsible inserts shown in FIG. 1, as viewed along line 3 shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the plate with collapsible inserts shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a left side view of the plate with collapsible inserts shown in FIG. 1, shown with the inserts in an expanded position.

FIG. 6 is the left side view of the plate with collapsible inserts shown in FIG. 5, shown with the inserts in a collapsed position.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the plate with collapsible inserts shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the plate with collapsible inserts shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a front side view of the plate with collapsible inserts shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is an underneath perspective view of a plate with collapsible inserts according to a second example embodiment of the present invention, shown with the inserts in an expanded position.

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of the plate shown in FIG. 10, shown with the collapsible inserts removed from the plate.

FIG. 12 is a side perspective view of the collapsible inserts shown in FIG. 10, shown expanded and removed from the plate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a plate with collapsible inserts. As depicted in FIGS. 1-9, the example plate 10 has a planar support surface 12, a sidewall 26 extending upwardly from, and surrounding, the outer edge of the planar support surface, and a ridge 14 positioned around the top edge of the sidewall. The planar support surface 12 can have a circular shape, as depicted, or can have an alternative shape, for example an oval, rectangle, square, or other predetermined shape. The planar support surface 12, sidewall 26 and ridge 14 are preferably constructed to have mechanical resistance sufficient in order to support food items. Preferably, the planar support surface 12, sidewall 26 and ridge 14 are constructed of durable material, for example plastic, specifically food-grade plastic. More preferably, the planar support surface 12, sidewall 26 and ridge 14 are constructed of a rigidly flexible material, for example plastic. More preferably still, the planar support surface 12, sidewall 24 and ridge 14 are uniformly constructed into a single structure, for example through a co-molding or injection molding process. The sidewall 26 preferably has a depth sufficient to contain liquid and semi-liquid food items placed onto the planar support surface 12.

As depicted, the example plate 10 can have a handle 20 positioned along the ridge 14. The handle 20 can be uniformly constructed with the ridge 14 through a co-molding or injection molding process. As depicted, the handle 20 can be a bulge or lip that extends a particular length, and from a particular location, along the ridge 14 circumference. The handle 20 is preferably constructed to provide sufficient mechanical support so that the plate 10 can be held or gripped with one hand at just the handle location.

As particularly depicted in FIG. 8, the planar support surface 12 has a pair of apertures. Preferably, the planar support surface 12 can have one larger aperture 30 and one smaller aperture 32. The apertures 30, 32 preferably have a circular shape, however, alternative shapes can be similarly useful, as desired. The circumference of the apertures 30, 32 can have a lip receiver channel. As depicted, the apertures 30, 32 are positioned with their center points aligned along an axis that extends between opposing points along the circumference of the planar support surface 12. Preferably, the apertures 30, 32 are positioned with their center points aligned along an axis that extends between the midpoint of the handle 20 and a directly opposing point on the ridge 14. More preferably, the larger aperture 30 is positioned along an equatorial axis between the smaller aperture 32 and the handle 20.

As depicted, a pair of container cup inserts 16, 18 can be inserted into the pair of apertures 30, 32 in the planar support surface 12. The pair of inserts 16, 18 can be removably inserted into the pair of apertures 30, 32 so that the inserts can be removed for individual use or cleaning. Preferably, the inserts 16, 18 are constructed of food-grade silicone, so they can function as cups for drinking or holding food. A larger insert 16 can be inserted into the larger aperture 30 and a smaller insert 18 can be inserted into the smaller aperture 32. The inserts 16, 18 each have a base 36, a stepped sidewall 38, a rim 40 and a container volume 42. The rim 40 can be removably secured within the lip receiver channel around the circumference of the apertures 16, 18, for example by snapping the rim into and out of the lip receiver channel. The rim 40 of each insert 16, 18 can alternatively be a lip overhang extending circumferentially outward from the top of the container volume 42. The rim 40 can alternatively have an outer circumference that is greater than the aperture 30, 32 circumferences, so that the rim sits on top of the support surface 12 when inserted through the apertures. The larger insert 16 can have greater depth, greater base 36 and rim 40 diameters, and a greater number of steps along the sidewall 38, than the smaller insert 18. The rim 40 can form a gravity-driven liquid-impermeable seal with the aperture 30, 32 circumferences when liquid is held on the plate 10 and within the inserts 16, 18. Alternatively, the inserts 16, 18 can be impermeably secured within the apertures 30, 32 with an adhesive applied between the insert rim 40 and the respective aperture. In use, the position of the larger insert 16 being closer to the handle 20 improves balance with there is also food contained in the small insert 18.

As particularly depicted in FIGS. 3, 4, 5 and 7, the inserts 16, 18 are collapsible and expandable. The steps along the stepped sidewall 38 sequentially increase in diameter from the base 36 to the rim 40. The stepped sidewall 38 is constructed of flexible material that can collapse into a folded state and expand into an expanded state. During the collapsed state, each step folds into and collapses within the circumferentially next-largest step. In the completely collapsed state, the container volume 42 of the inserts 16, 18 is reduced and the depth of the sidewall 38 is defined by the circumferentially largest step depth. During the expanded state, the container volume 42 of the inserts 16, 18 is expanded by pushing each circumferential step out from within its circumferentially next-largest step. During use, the flexible material causes the smaller circumferential steps to snap into and out of the circumferentially next-largest step once each step is pushed beyond a threshold stable transition position.

During use with the planar support surface 12, the inserts 16, 18 can be expanded to receive liquids or other materials, for example to use as a cup for drinking or a bowl for soup. Alternatively, the inserts 16, 18 can be collapsed to lay flat and substantially flush with the support surface 12 if the container volume 42 is not needed.

FIGS. 10-12 depict a plate with collapsible inserts, similar to the plate with collapsible inserts described above. Similarly to plate 10 (FIGS. 1-9), plate 50 includes a planar support surface 52, stepped sidewall, rim, handle and pair of apertures 54, 56 positioned with their center points aligned along an axis that extends between opposing points along the circumference of the planar support surface. Similarly to plate 10 (FIGS. 1-9), the plate 50 includes a pair of collapsible container cup inserts 58, 60 that can be inserted into the pair of apertures 54, 56 in the planar support surface 52.

As depicted in FIGS. 10 and 11, each aperture 54, 56 in the planar surface 52 has an outer circumferential rim 64, 68. As shown, the outer rim 64, 68 of each aperture 54, 56 includes at least one shelf 62, 66 projecting inwardly from the respective outer rim and defining a keyway between the shelves. As shown, each outer rim 64, 68 includes four shelves 62, 66 projecting inwardly from the respective outer rim, however, it is contemplated that alternate numbers of shelves can function effectively. The top surface of each shelf 62, 66 is preferably stepped downwardly from, but in parallel to, the top surface of the planar surface 52. As a result, the shelves 62, 66 are thinner than the planar surface 52.

As shown, gaps or notches that follow the outer rim 64, 68 are formed between the shelves 62, 66. Preferably, the shelves 62, 66 are evenly spaced around each respective outer rim 64, 68. Preferably, each shelf 62, 66 extends radially inward an even distance from the outer rim 64, 68. Each shelf 62, 66 has a distal inner rim that preferably has a circumferential shape that correlates with the circumferential shape of the outer rim 64, 68 of each respective aperture 54, 56. The shelves 62, 66 are preferably uniformly constructed with the plate surface 52.

As depicted in FIGS. 10 and 12, each collapsible insert 58, 60 has a circumferential lip 70, 76 extending radially outward from an upper rim of the insert. Preferably, the lips 70, 76 are continuously circumferential. As depicted, each collapsible insert 58, 60 also has at least one key insert 72, 74 protruding outwardly from the sidewall at a location beneath the respective lip 70, 76. As shown, each collapsible insert 58, 60 includes four key inserts 72, 74 projecting outwardly from the sidewall, however, it is contemplated that alternate numbers of keys can function effectively.

The top surface of each key insert 72, 74 preferably has a flat surface extending in parallel to the underside of each lip 70, 76. As shown, there is a gap between the top surface of each key insert 72, 74 and the bottom surface of each lip 70, 76. Preferably, the gap between the key inserts 72, 74 and the lips 70, 76 is slightly greater than the thickness of each respective shelf 62, 66 in the apertures 54, 56.

Preferably, the plate 50 includes an identical number of shelves 62, 66 and key inserts 72, 74. Each key insert 72, 74 has an outer projecting rim that preferably has a circumferential shape that correlates with the circumferential shape of the outer rim 64, 68 of each respective aperture 54, 56. Preferably the diameter of each aperture outer rim 64, 68 is slightly greater than the diameter of the outer protruding rim of each respective key insert 72, 74. Preferably the diameter of the outer protruding rim of each respective key 72, 74 is greater than the diameter of the distally-projecting rim of each respective shelf 62, 66. Each key 72, 74 preferably has a circumferential length that is slightly shorter than the circumferential length of each gap between each respective shelf 62, 66 in the apertures 54, 56.

In use, for example as shown in FIG. 10, the collapsible inserts 58, 60 are inserted down through each respective aperture 54, 56 in the plate surface 52. The bottom of each collapsible insert 58, 60 is preferably inserted down through the respective aperture 54, 56 first so that the inserts are suspended below the plate surface 52. During insertion, the keys 72, 74 of each collapsible insert 58, 60 are aligned with and inserted through the gaps between the respective shelves 62, 66 of the apertures 54, 56. When the keys 72, 74 are completely inserted through these gaps, the underside surface of the lips 70, 76 engage the top surface of the shelves 62, 66. To secure the collapsible inserts 58, 60 to the plate surface 52, the collapsible inserts are then rotated with respect to the plate surface. This rotation moves each key 72, 74 to a position underneath a respective shelf 62, 66, so that the shelf is in between a key and a lip 70, 76. To remove the collapsible inserts 58, 60, each insert is then rotated further or in reverse until each key 72, 74 aligns with and can be pulled through a respective gap between the shelves 62, 66.

It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions, or parameters of the example embodiments described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only. Thus, the terminology is intended to be broadly construed and is not intended to be unnecessarily limiting of the claimed invention. For example, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, the term “or” means “and/or,” and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, any methods described herein are not intended to be limited to the sequence of steps described but can be carried out in other sequences, unless expressly stated otherwise herein.

While the claimed invention has been shown and described in example forms, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications, additions, and deletions can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A multipurpose plate comprising: a support surface comprising at least one aperture comprising at least one keyway; and at least one collapsible container comprising at least one keyway insert removably inserted through the at least one keyway.
 2. The multipurpose plate of claim 1, wherein the at least one keyway is defined by at least two shelves extending within the at least one aperture.
 3. The multipurpose plate of claim 2, wherein the at least one keyway insert is rotatably positioned with respect to the at least two shelves.
 4. The multipurpose plate of claim 2, wherein the at least one collapsible container comprises a circumferential lip removed with respect to the at least one keyway insert.
 5. The multipurpose plate of claim 4, wherein the at least two shelves rotatably insert between the circumferential lip and the at least one keyway insert.
 6. The multipurpose plate of claim 4, wherein the circumferential lip and the at least one keyway insert radially extend in parallel from the at least one collapsible container.
 7. A multipurpose plate comprising: a support surface comprising at least one aperture comprising at least two inwardly extending shelves; and at least one collapsible container comprising at least one insert removably inserted between the at least two inwardly extending shelves.
 8. The multipurpose plate of claim 7, wherein the at least one collapsible container further comprises a radial lip that removably engages the at least two inwardly extending shelves.
 9. The multipurpose plate of claim 8, wherein the at least two inwardly extending shelves rotatably insert between the radial lip and the at least one insert.
 10. The multipurpose plate of claim 9, wherein the radial lip and the at least one insert radially extend in parallel from the at least one collapsible container.
 11. A method for removably securing at least one container to a plate, the method comprising: removably inserting the at least one container through at least one aperture in the plate; and engaging the at least one container with at least two shelves extending inwardly within the at least one aperture.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein engaging the at least one container comprises rotating the at least one container with respect to the at least two shelves.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the at least two shelves are engaged between at least one key insert extending from the at least one container and a lip extending circumferentially from the at least one container.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the at least one key insert is removably inserted between the at least two shelves.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the at least one key insert and the lip radially extend in parallel from the at least one container. 